Sequel to the tragic incident involving Destiny Paul Victor, the 17-year-old schoolboy who was shot while retrieving his ball from a man's compound, I paid a condolence visit to his parents, Chief and Lolo Jonathan Odikanwa, to console them on the painful loss of their son.
Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Nkechinyere Ugwu (UNJP), I urged them to put their trust in God, especially as the world has unanimously condemned the tragic act. I assured them that the perpetrator, Barrister Donatus Mbama from Njaba LGA, who is already in police custody, will face the full weight of the law and that justice will be served.
I encouraged the grieving parents to find solace in the fact that God, the ultimate comforter, will not forsake them in this time of sorrow. Furthermore, I assured them that the State Government, under the leadership of my husband, His Excellency Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma CON, GSSRS, stands firmly with them in their grief. I prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear this irreplaceable and heartbreaking loss of a young boy whose life was tragically cut short in his prime.
The father, Chief Jonathan Odikanwa of Ikeduru LGA, expressed gratitude to the Government for its support and commitment to ensuring justice for his first son. He also acknowledged the school management for their support. "I spoke with my son that fateful morning before he left for school, only to receive the heartbreaking news that he had been shot in the stomach in broad daylight, for no justifiable reason, and he died," he wept. "All I seek is justice for my son." I reaffirmed to the family that this case will not be swept under the carpet and that the young boy’s untimely death will receive swift justice. This will serve as a deterrent to trigger-happy individuals who recklessly endanger innocent lives.
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H.E. Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, FIMC, CMC First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Women's Initiative, and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.
